"We beat 'em, anyhow, Ann," she whispered. "And, after all, he's a
pleasant-spoken chap, and if Mary Belle wants him--why--let's let her
have him!"




The Axminster Path



"There, dear, here we are, all dressed for the day!" said the girl
gayly, as she led the frail little woman along the strip of Axminster
carpet that led to the big chair.

"And Kathie?" asked the woman, turning her head with the groping
uncertainty of the blind.

"Here, mother," answered a cheery voice. "I'm right here by the window."

"Oh!" And the woman smiled happily. "Painting, I suppose, as usual."

"Oh, I'm working, as usual," returned the same cheery voice, its owner
changing the position of the garment in her lap and reaching for a spool
of silk.

"There!" breathed the blind woman, as she sank into the great chair.
"Now I am all ready for my breakfast. Tell cook, please, Margaret, that
I will have tea this morning, and just a roll besides my orange." And
she smoothed the folds of her black silk gown and picked daintily at the